Macleay's account of "poor [Thomas] Marsham" makes his "heart ache". His health "perfectly restored", but still "tender & not strong", hopeful for attending in 3 weeks [Linnean Society anniversary dinner]. Duke of [John Russell, 6th] Bedford will attend anniversary dinner, though he "dreads a hot full room".

Uncertain whether to lament loss of Macleay's office, hopes he obtains what he "so well deserve[s], an easier, & at least as profitable a place". Intends to stay at 43 Seymour Street when in London [home of Aylmer Bourke Lambert]. His dependence on Macleay for forwarding his letters and parcels. Hopes the Society received security for Marsham's debts.

Understands and accepts Hodgson's reasons for resigning as FLS but if he had notice would have tried to controvert some of those reasons. Always pleased to see botany "cultivated by persons eminent in character or station". Mutual benefits of clergy studying botany. Believes the study of nature is "inferior to none in dignity or utility", never meeting more than one "fanatic" who thought otherwise, "gibbeted" him [unnamed] in a note in Linnaeus' "Lapland Tour".